Growing Media and Peat - Training and Information

With Defra consulting on the future of peat in horticulture, and general discussion more prevalent on what growing media actually is, we expect questions from shoppers and media coverage on the issue. We are co-ordinating support for members through the Growing Media Taskforce.

The taskforce is an alliance that brings together the HTA, the NFU, RHS, Growing Media Association, and the Garden Centre Association, making sure the full extent of horticulture is represented to government.

On this web page you can access the information available to HTA members on the topic, including the new eLearning on GCA Grow and the HTA HUB by clicking the relevant icons below.

The eLearning is aimed specifically at those working in customer-facing roles, and contains five modules covering:

the importance of Peatlands;
the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media (RSS);
choosing the right product for the right purpose;
converting peat users and
peat alternatives

The training has been designed and written by the Horticultural Trades Association and the Garden Centre Association, supported by the Growing Media Association, Royal Horticulture Society and National Farmers’ Union.

You can also access the Taskforce's response to Defra's "Consultation to end the Retail Sale of Peat in Horticulture" (March 2022), the Guide to Responsible Source, various Materials Guides looking at Growing Media in more detail and the latest statistics in the Growing Media Monitor. **scroll right through the resources to access them all**

Responsible Retailing Guide

The HTA and GCA have worked together to produce this guide to help retailers develop environmentally and socially responsible approaches to retailing growing media.

Find out more here

HTA HUB

The HTA Hub is purpose-built Learning Management System to host elearning, links to training, development information and downloadable resources. With our members at the forefront of our mind we have created one place to be able to fulfil all your learning and development needs. Constantly growing and evolving as the needs of our membership changes you will be able to find an exciting range of ways to train your staff and grow your business to its full potential.

Access the HUB here

GCA GROW

Employees from garden centres that are members of the Garden Centre Association and subscribe to GCA GROW e-learning, should log on here. Completing the modules within GCA GROW will ensure all your e-learning training records are complete, up-to-date and stored in one place. You will also receive your certificates of completion.

Find out more here

Growing Media Materials Guide

This guide aims to give you some basic information on the main ingredients that are used instead of, or alongside peat in growing media in the UK.

Find out more here

Briefing on the Defra consultation

This briefing gives advice and information from the HTA to help members respond to the Defra consultation on ending the retail sale of peat in horticulture in England and Wales and the supporting ‘call for evidence’ from Defra on removing peat from use in the professional sector.

Find out more here

RSS Website Homepage

More info on the Responsible Sourcing Scheme can be found here.

Find out more here

Growing Media Taskforce Response to DEFRA Consultation on banning retail sales of Peat

This consultation response to Government seeks to set out the Taskforce's (and subsequently the horticulture industry's) overall position to growing media and offers evidence for those positions and asks of Government.

Find out more here

Growing Media information

More information on growing media, including the latest statistics and sustainability programmes at the HTA can be accessed here.

Growing Media information and data

Growing Media Association

Find out more about the Growing Media Association

Growing Media Association